What Goes Into Making A Good...

...Baby Monitor

Shannon Jenest, PR Manager
Philips Domestic Appliances and Personal Care

Whether parents take the plunge the first night home from the hospital or months down the road, most will experience a sense of separation anxiety the first time they sleep independently of their baby. Short of setting up camp outside the nursery door there isn’t much that will ease a new parent’s mind during this transition, however investing in a reliable baby monitor can help moms and Dads feel connected to their baby when they can’t be in the same room.

Time is precious for new parents and an uninterrupted connection with baby during nap time is an important factor in giving parents peace of mind so they can go about their day. An effective baby monitor can provide reassurance that baby is safe and happy and allow parents to focus on other important tasks.

Until a few years ago, analog audio monitors were the norm, but more recently manufacturers have started to incorporate technology used in other consumer electronics to expand the range of baby monitors available to consumers. Generally, monitors fall into one of two categories: audio or video. But within these categories parents can choose a wide variety of product features to fit their individual needs.

Analogue Monitors
Traditional analogue monitors are still available and are a good option for parents who are going to be in relatively close range of their baby. The first analogue monitors had only one channel and were subject to a lot of interference, but newer models feature additional channels that can be manually controlled by the user. This allows parents to somewhat manage interference caused by other wireless electronics such as cordless telephones.

Analogue monitors also tend to have fewer bells and whistles although parents can find some basic features such as sound lights that provide a visual cue when audio is picked up by the base and portable parent units for easier mobility.

Pros: Less expensive, manual channel selection on most models

Cons: High probability of interference, not ideal for people living in high density areas

Parent Profile: Analogue monitors are good for budget-minded consumers who are looking for basic features and who live outside of densely populated areas.

Digital Monitors
For parents who are looking to benefit from recent advances in technology, digital monitors offer a level of clarity that is not attainable with a standard analogue monitor. Dynamic channel switch automatically searches available channels and selects the one with the least interference for more reliable monitoring capabilities. This process is repeated as frequently as needed to maintain a clearer connection.

Recently, the standard in digital monitors was further raised with the introduction of Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication technology. Previously used in cordless telephones, DECT was approved by the FCC for use in baby monitors this year. An exponentially higher number of channels and dynamic automatic channel switching in DECT enabled monitors allows parents, for the first time ever, to monitor their baby with no interference –guaranteed.

Most digital monitors also offer a walkie-talkie function, which enables parents to communication with each other through the base and parent units or with baby if they are unable to respond right away.

Pros: Clearer sound, no interference with DECT monitors, farther range

Cons: More expensive

Parent Profile: Digital monitors are ideal for parents who are looking for the added convenience and reassurance of knowing they will have an uninterrupted connection with their baby. With DECT technology the connection is guaranteed to be interference free.

Video Monitors
Up until a few years ago, parents only had the option of monitoring their baby’s audible sounds. With the introduction of video monitors parents are able to use their eyes as well as their ears to keep tabs on their little one. Most video monitors use a small wall or table mounted TV-set-like monitor through which Mom and Dad can view their child’s activity.

Most video monitors mount easily to the side of the crib and some feature LCD screens for enhanced picture quality. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind as you evaluate your customers need for a video monitor. First, the layout of their house may limit the range of the monitor. Video monitors have a weaker signal and are more sensitive to interference from other wireless electronics. If you customer feels strongly about having video capabilities on their monitor you may want to suggest that they also purchase an audio monitor.

Pros: Visual monitoring of your baby, good quality picture

Cons: High potential for interference, more expensive

Parent Profile: Parents who want to be connected to their baby visually as well as audibly may want to invest in a video monitor. If cost in not a concern, parents may want to also purchase an audio monitor to ensure they are getting the best sound quality.

Sensor Monitors
Monitors with movement sensors are the newest addition to the baby monitor category. This new form of monitoring transmits sound similar to an audio monitor but with the added feature of detecting movement. A sensor pad can be placed under the crib mattress to monitor baby’s movement. Working in 20 second increments, if absolutely no movement is detected an alarm will sound.

Most movement sensor monitors feature at least two channels to help cut down on interference and offer other benefits such as sound lights for monitoring. Some parents, especially those with preemies or special needs babies may find sensor monitors more reassuring, but customers should be aware that these units are not designed to monitor medical conditions nor can they prevent Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

Pros: Monitors movement and sound, alarm feature alerts parents

Cons: Lower audio quality due to less channel options

Parent Profile: Movement sensor monitors are a good choice for parents of preemies who are interested in monitoring their baby more closely.

Asking questions about your customer’s home and lifestyle will help you guide them in choosing the baby monitor that best fits their needs. With so many different features available it may help to prioritize. Some monitors offer an additional parent unit which is handy for people with larger homes. Others include a variety of options for soothing baby, such as playing lullabies or providing a nightlight. Most are easily portable but some may also include a belt clip or neck lanyard for hands-free monitoring.

With so many options available there’s a baby monitor to fit every budget and lifestyle. Encourage your customers to consider their individual needs when selecting a monitor for their home.

 

...Nursing Pillow

Margaret L. Norcott, President
CozyCushy™, Inc.

Nursing pillows are the NEW must have item for all mothers and caregivers alike! Mastering a feeding session with an infant can sometimes feel like climbing a twenty-foot wall (without any support)! You may think mastering the art of nursing (or bottle-feeding) could be a breeze without any assistance, but take it from me, a new mother, “the BEST solution” a mother, or caregiver, could ever ask for is a well-designed Nursing Pillow made specifically for your infant!

There are many benefits to using a Nursing Pillow. First of all, many people do not realize that incorrect posture is the leading cause of aches and pains in mothers and caregivers who feed an infant. A Nursing Pillow provides comfort to all and alleviates any unnecessary strain, by helping to relax the neck, back and arm muscles while feeding the baby.

A well-designed Nursing Pillow provides an ergonomically thought out surface area that addresses many of the infant’s feeding needs. First, the pillow’s surface area should ideally have a “medium to firm” consistency. A poor surface would be one that is “too soft” and can lead to downward sagging of the infant’s torso, which can ultimately cause the infant to fall asleep. A good Nursing Pillow should not only support a baby, but it should also elevate your baby high enough to aid in correct latching so the caregiver does not have to “lean” forward.

Current Nursing Pillows on the market offer different features, which are designed to make your feeding experience more relaxed and enjoyable. When deciding on which Nursing Pillows your store should carry, it is smart to do your homework first and identify the different products that are suitable for your customer’s particular situations, such as preemies or twins. Some nursing pillows allow for the cradle or football hold, while others allow the mother to lay on their side face-to-face. It is important to make sure there is a match here between individual requirements and product features, since mom will be using the nursing pillow repeatedly every day.

A good quality Nursing Pillow should offer some of the following features. A good Nursing Pillow should be somewhat “light weight” for easy portability. Some nursing pillows are sized to fit in between the arms of a rocker, glider or armchair, so be sure to choose the right sized Nursing Pillow if this is one of your requirements. Other Nursing Pillows offer an “adjustable waist strap” allowing it to be sized for many different waist sizes so any person can share in feedings. A Nursing Pillow should also provide ergonomic support to both caregiver and infant. Some Nursing Pillow companies even offer some form of back support like “padding” their adjustable waist trap or including a loose, extra “multi-purpose” pillow.

There is a “new Nursing Pillow” on the market that has a patent-pending approach to their products by offering the following special features: a layer of foam sandwiched between two layers of “memory-foam” - making the pillow totally reversible; memory foam layers provide added stability by potentially preventing infant from rolling off surface; memory foam layers relieve “tension” where infant’s joints make contact with Nursing Pillow; the “permanent inner cover” sewn around foam layers is breathable, mold and mildew resistant, can be sanitized and dries in minutes.

Another consideration is that a mother who has had a c-section will need a Nursing Pillow thick enough to raise the baby high enough to properly nurse, or bottle-feed. This extra height alleviates pressure from the infant’s weight at the site of the c-section incision, making for a more enjoyable experience for the mother.

Finally, the Nursing Pillow your customers select may serve many more purposes, as they may aid infant as they learn to sit, crawl or enjoy tummy time!

All of the Nursing Pillow benefits discussed here help to ensure proper positioning of the baby’s mouth onto the mother’s nipple or the bottle. The end result will be: a decrease in sore nipples for mothers, less gas from the infant incorrectly bottle feeding, and allowing mom to have one hand free to hold and caress baby during feeding. Ultimately, a nursing and bottle-feeding pillow helps in fostering a great feeding relationship and cycle for the mother or caregiver and ultimately, the baby.

 

...Support Garment

Christine Seering, President
Prenatal Cradle, Inc.

Supports for the back and belly of pregnant mothers-to-be have been needed since the beginning of time. Throughout the years, inventions of helpful supportive devices were employed. Then came the girdle. For decades it was widely accepted as a pregnancy support and was routinely recommended for relief of abdominal and back discomfort during pregnancy. Present technology has made available a much wider selection of maternity and back supports along with garments that decrease the painful symptoms of other pregnancy problems as well. Comfort measures for pregnant mothers is high priority as many of today’s new moms need to remain active during a time when significant physical changes are taking place in preparation for a family member (or members) to be born. This trend has been encouraged by: 1) the increasing awareness to remain physically fit during pregnancy. 2) the advent of dual income families. 3) the presence of active siblings in the home who need a physically attentive and caring parent.

Benefits for Mom-To-Be
Abdominal strain, back discomfort, pelvic pressure, painful ligaments across the pubic bone, pubic symphysis, hip separation, and vaginal pressure are realities that many pregnant women face - and ones that can be relieved. “I had painful ligaments across my pubic bone - pubic symphysis - making it hard to walk or be comfortable. I think the maternity support garment was a factor in making the pain end. In any case it stopped hurting a week after I began wearing it...,” remarked one customer.

Varicosities can also occur during pregnancy. Increased weight of the enlarged uterus sometimes creates pressure on veins and interferes with the flow of blood returning from the legs. At the same time, naturally higher levels of estrogen promote growth, while increased progesterone tends to relax the smooth muscles of the vein walls. Coupled with greater blood volume, the “relaxed” veins can become distended and “pop out” as varicosities. The resulting symptoms involve a heightened feeling of pressure in the area of the varicosities accompanied by pain and aching.

Different Types Available
Many types of maternity supports are available. Simple belts pull to the lower back giving light support for moms whose muscles are still in good tone. Along the same line are modified girdles and/or panties with an elasticized band sewn in. Supports are also available that have a large back portion which covers the lower back from hip to hip (helpful for pregnant moms with previous back injuries) and provide lower abdominal support. Full torso and leotard type supports are also available, and one can choose between styles with or without a snap crotch. A full torso abdominal and back support may have an open abdomen which promotes the baby’s comfort, allows for air circulation and permits frequent skin moisturizing.

Supports are also available for relief of discomfort from swollen, distended veins, otherwise known as varicosities or “popped out veins”. Leg varicosities are treated through the use of support “hose” or stockings. Compression therapy for vulvar varicosities can be obtained by wearing these types of supports.

Construction Elements
From the simple strap to the full leotard, the main component is elasticized materials. Simple bands consisting of elastic or stretch material are used. Velcro is sometimes added for adjustment purposes. Variations in back support may occur with the addition of a firm, sometimes moldable back portion that covers the back, hip to hip, below the waist.

Elastic by nature is the fabric replica of a stretching muscle. As the uterus increases in size, the stretching uterine walls expand (similar to the blowing up of a balloon). As a result, the muscles supporting the abdomen and back also expand as the growing uterus pushes them out. As these muscles are now stretched, their capacity to support is decreased, and common aches and pains arise not only from the weight of the enlarging pregnancy, but also from the loss of tone to support the abdomen and back, (a normal function of those muscles). Maternity support garments make a world of difference in the comfort levels of “soon to be” new moms.